Past the Prime

[Segwin]

At what age is a horse considered past its prime (or too old to run)? And at what age are they typically retired?

[joefour]

Last year, here at EMD, Wasserman was still running at age 10. Lifetime earnings about $.6 million. Another (whose name escapes me at the moment) ran well in several races here at the age of 12!
I guess it depends upon the horse. I personally don't recall seeing many contenders out there past 7.

[Bill V.]

Just like human athletes, Horses range in ability
Some athletes are done in their mid 30's,other like Nolan Ryan
go on for many more years in top form.

I would think its good to judge a horse is by it recent pace lines and current form, and what it faces in today's match up

Bill

[Segwin]

Thanks guys.

First time looking at Delaware. So far I'm not impressed with the track as it seems to be like our Thistledown here - running some has been (s).

[polambi]

Last week, sept 29th, I was playing Mountaineer...and in the last race, the morning line favorite was a 10 year-old horse. That got my attention because I had never seen a 10 year old racing before.
Instantly, I remembered an email from Ted, in which he told me that he didn't think an 8 year-old could repeat a great performance.
When I looked at the horse's running lines, I could not understand why he was such a big deal: he was not the top APV/CR and he was a sustain type in a short sprint race. So, I boxed him in an exacta with two other horses that looked better in my opinion. The other horses ran first and second, and the favorite was third. I pocketed nice exacta. Thanks Ted for that tip.

[Segwin]

Good stuff.

Originally Posted by polambi

Last week, sept 29th, I was playing Mountaineer...and in the last race, the morning line favorite was a 10 year-old horse. That got my attention because I had never seen a 10 year old racing before.&
Instantly, I remembered an email from Ted, in which he told me that he didn't think an 8 year-old could repeat a great performance.
When I looked at the horse's running lines, I could not understand why he was such a big deal: he was not the top APV/CR and he was a sustain type in a short sprint race. So, I boxed him in an exacta with two other horses that looked better in my opinion. The other horses ran first and second, and the favorite was third. I pocketed nice exacta. Thanks Ted for that tip.

[For The Lead]

JOHN HENRY was competitive among the best turf horses in the country through the age of 9. He retired at the age of 10 due to an injury.

Although I am not 100% sure, I believe horses cannot run past the age of 12.